Viewing page 86 of 102

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

166
[[underlined]] "President Wilson [[/underlined]] lately told me "Daniels, [[underlined]] I just have learned [[/underlined]] " that it is dangerous to try to be " facetious with South americans. " I was invited to be present at the " transfer of a battleship built " in the U.S. for the Chilean " Government the transfer to be made to " the Chilean Ambassador and " the Captain of the new ship. I " was sitting at dinner between both " of them and tried to start a " conversation with the Chilean " officer but in vain he always " answer: "Yes Mr. President - No Mr. " President." etc. until I had to " give up further attempts at " conversation, so the soup and several " dishes succeeded without a further " word being exchanged between " us. However at the end of the " dinner I tried again, and this " time asked him if he was interested " in the war in Europe. " Immedia
[[end page]]
[[start page]]
tely he showed great interest and " became quite talkative, He said: " I read every newspaper, every telegram " follow every bit of news, or any " articles, in my room and office " I have charts and maps in which " I can follow day by day every " operation etc. etc." to which I ^ [[insert]] (Wilson) [[/insert]] answered changing the subject somewhat: "Well [[strikethrough]] Mr [[/strikethrough]] Captain, of course this country is [[underlined]] neutral, [[/underlined]] but judging from the names of my aides here at the table, Commander Wurzbaugh and Captain Winterhalter it would seem otherwise, would it not?" To which the Chilean Captain immediately smiled out as far as he could toward my ^ [[insert]] Wilson's [[/insert]] ear and screening his mouth with his hand whispered in my ear: [[underlined]] "You know Mr. President, I too am pro-german!" [[/underlined]] Evening was spent very agreeably

Transcription Notes:
Instructions say to use the word 'underlined' in brackets when words are underlined in text. Seems appropriate because indicates past tense.